peace out, 2014.

just like everyone else and their dog, we have to end this year with a little bloggy post. but frankly, you've been reading about us all year... i'm sure you're exhausted and bored out of your mind. so let's just dump it all here and leave it until next year, yeah??

cool.

since we last "spoke", we've been partying hard in the beehive state. here's the evidence:

>> "what'd you say about my mustache?!.. that's what i thought........ yeah, i know it's awesome."

>> an artistic series called: remie and the clementine.

 >> "you two! scratch my belly. rub my feet."

>> christmas morning: could not be more in love with her toys.... ?

 >> YEAH! remikins first time meeting her uncle ammon who is on a LDS mission in singapore! we only get to skype with him twice a year, so this is a real treat and [R] was smitten.

>> we haven't been to the temple since Remikins was born (shhhhh, i know... that's terrible...) so we got to go TWICE this week! amen to that!

>> this year we started a new tradition: the annual hanks racquetball competition. here is what we were competing for. after holding the champion title for a week, my youngest bro had to relinquish it to secret... he was thrilled. who wouldn't  be? that trophy is BOMB.

>> so our flight home got canceled... so naturally we decided to just extend for another week. (naturally... lol) that means for FHE we took Remikins swimming for the first time. although she was Crank Sinatra at first... she ended up really liking it. so a WIN for us.

>> the following is a little series i think you'll enjoy. we encourage you to laugh with us at our child. she does these faces intentionally to make us laugh.

 

in order to motivate me more, i've decided to make my resolutions public knowledge:

1. be more christlike to everyone, especially strangers. i often catch myself thinking unkind things about strangers on the street... and i hate that about myself. so i'm going to change that.

2. better hone my inner french woman. i'm going to re-do my wardrobe and re-vamp my eating habits. hopefully by the end of 2015, people will be coming up to me saying "excusez-moi, ou est..." THEN I CAN DIE HAPPY.

well, that's it, people. the mister, the babe and i are ready to end this year. au revior, 2014. it's been real. 

dang it.

that feeling when you get engaged.

that feeling when you win the lottery.

that feeling when you step outside after a rainstorm and see a double rainbow AND a unicorn.

that feeling when they put the new baby in your arms.

that feeling when you experience NYC at christmas time.

do you get me? seriously, for family night  this week we walked down 5th avenue to see all the lights and at one point i felt like i was going to burst with joy at how freaking much i loved what was going on. tears were 1mm from the surface of my eyeballs. it was a plethora of things, let me see if i can impress that feeling upon you...

1. turn on the christmas music.
2. find a big christmas tree and stare at it intently.
3. immerse yourself in people you love and/or complete strangers. immerse.
4. get caught up in the hustle and bustle and fun of giving.

did you almost burst/cry out with joy??

well if not. i'll try again next year. but for now, let me just get these pictures outta my system:


>> bryant park tree lighting: it was our warm up to the rockefeller tree lighting the next night. but after hearing about the hoards of crowds i chickened out. on my own: totally! with a bebe: uhhhh...

>> i show you this because i want you to look at those delicious arms of hers. confession: sometimes when i'm playing with her i'll pretend her arms are corn cobs and we both love it. i. just. can't. resist.

>> rockefeller tree, baby!! okay, okay, it is pretty impressive. good work, new york. round of applause.

^^ how awesome does saks do christmas?? all these big, fancy department stores.. they're doing it right.

it's short. it's sweet. it's christmas time, folks. you'll hear from me again though. because these feelings of christmas are too much to keep to myself. 

dang it, nyc. you've done it again. i love you.

joyeux noël.